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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Dodge Avenger

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Overview

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2013 Dodge Avenger Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.5

The 2013 Dodge Avenger is an adequate car competing in the tough mid-size sedan segment. In this class, the Avenger aims to win over buyers who might otherwise consider the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, Kia Optima, and Hyundai Sonata. A recent redesign gave the Avenger an improved suspension, drivetrain and interior, as well as more aggressive looks. Lower-end models have enticing prices, but that value against rivals wanes as trim levels climb. Among the Avenger's redeeming qualities is the optional Pentastar V6 engine that works exceptionally well and gives the car newfound performance. For those drawn to the Avenger over its worthy competitors, the biggest motivating factors may come down to price and personal taste.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a car whose looks portray swagger but you can't pony up to a Dodge Charger, the 2013 Dodge Avenger just might be your style.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you want looks that are more modern than muscle, snazzier standard equipment or stellar fuel economy, there are newer and more feature-rich sedans from which to choose. Poor resale values further dampen the Avenger's appeal.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.5
Driving Dynamics

5.5
Comfort & Convenience

6.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

5.7
Value

5.7
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#12

out of 13

MPG

#2

out of 13

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

7.9 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

After gaining the performance-oriented R/T version and new trim names last year, the Avenger has just minor changes for 2013. Among them are automatic headlights and the availability of premium leather in SXT models, new exterior colors and a lower starting price on the R/T model.

Driving the Avenger

2013 Dodge Avenger Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2013 Dodge Avenger can be a surprisingly fun car to drive. The reworking it received in 2011 to the suspension, brakes and steering gear help make this 5-passenger sedan...

feel more like a nimble European car than any mid-size Dodge from the past decade. Thankfully, the Avenger's good handling doesn't come at the expense of comfort. The Dodge does a commendable job of offering a soft and composed ride quality, yet still boasts a responsive chassis that doesn't mind carving a mountain road. The 2013 Avenger's optional V6 engine is the most powerful of its kind among mid-size sedans, and delivers that power with smooth response. Base versions of the car come with a 4-cylinder engine mated to an older-style 4-speed transmission, with a 6-speed automatic with manual-shift mode standard on higher trims and optional on the base model. All trims are front-wheel-drive, which won't excite enthusiasts but makes it easier for those who drive in slippery conditions.

Favorite Features

UCONNECT SYSTEM
This optional system features a large color touch-screen that acts as the command center for audio, navigation and for retrieval of real-time info such as weather forecasts and movie times. We appreciate the system's prompt response to touch.

PENTASTAR V6
Dodge's V6 is among the best out there. This engine feels as powerful as a V8, purrs like a Lexus and also offers impressive fuel economy.

2013 Dodge Avenger Details

2013 Dodge Avenger Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

If the 2013 Dodge Avenger has an edge over competitors, it's in the design of cabin materials. The Avenger has soft-touch panels, visually appealing color and fabric patterns and well-bolstered front seats. R/T trim models are especially nice, featuring striped seats with leather bolsters, a unique gauge cluster and SRT-inspired pedal pads. Plenty of insulation material gives the Avenger a quiet cabin, which in turn helps the optional Boston premium speakers sound even sweeter. Rear-seat room is OK for two adults, and the rear seats fold in a 60/40-split for increased storage capacity. The front passenger seat folds flat for further cargo flexibility.

Exterior

The 2013 Avenger has tough-guy looks to go with its name. Up front is Dodge's familiar crosshair grille and aggressive twin headlights that take the shape of menacing eyes. A high beltline and higher rear fenders further embolden the Avenger, and a rear spoiler is optionally available. Models equipped with the V6 engine have twin exhaust tips as standard; that feature is optional on 4-cylinder versions. R/T models have a body-color grille, black-bezel headlights and, for better or worse, fender stripes. SE and SXT models ride on 17-inch wheels, while 18-inch wheels are standard for the R/T and optional on the other two trims.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2013 Dodge Avenger SE comes with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning with filtration system, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual-adjust driver's seat and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The base audio system is an AM/FM/CD/satellite radio with auxiliary jack and four speakers. SXT models add a 6-speed automatic transmission, 8-way power driver's seat, automatic climate control and six speakers. Top-line R/T models come with the V6 engine, leather seats, 18-inch aluminum wheels, Uconnect hands-free phone system and media center with 6.5-inch display screen, 40-gig hard drive and six Boston speakers.

Optional Equipment

The 2013 Avenger can be fitted with the Uconnect infotainment system, which adds a color touch-screen and a hard drive for storing music and can be upgraded with a navigation system and real-time traffic information. Other major add-ons include a power sunroof, V6 engine in SE and SXT models, engine block heater for cold-weather environments, heated front seats and the Rallye Appearance Group for SXT models that includes 18-inch wheels, trunk-mounted spoiler and two-tone black and red cloth interior.

Under the Hood

The base engine in a 2013 Dodge Avenger is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that makes 173 horsepower. That's not necessarily a lot of power for this class, but it's enough to allow the Avenger keep up with traffic. The more powerful V6 engine - certainly our choice - is optional in SE and SXT models and standard in the R/T trim. It makes 283 horsepower and is EPA-rated at up to up to 29 mpg on the highway. Both engines operate on regular 87-octane gasoline, and the V6 is E85-compatible.

2.4-liter inline-4
173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 mpg (4-speed automatic), 20/31 mpg (6-speed automatic)

3.6-liter V6
283 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29 mpg (gasoline), 14/21 mpg (E85)

Pricing Notes

With a base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) just under $20,000, the 2013 Dodge Avenger is billed as the most affordable mid-size sedan. At that price, the 2013 Avenger undercuts the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Subaru Legacy and VW Passat by about $1,000, and the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima by even more. Keep in mind these are not necessarily direct comparisons, though, as the Avenger has less power, lower fuel economy and fewer gears than some rivals. On the other end of the spectrum, a loaded R/T model can reach $28,000, still a solid value. Be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to find what others in your area are paying for the Avenger. In terms of resale value, the 2013 Avenger is predicted to fall short, registering among the lowest in this class.

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2013 Dodge Avenger Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.9

Out of 10

Based on 338 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.1/10

Quality

8.1/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.2/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.7/10

I love this car.

By Tiny (OR) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "sharp style, good quality for the price."

Cons: "only the lightness of the front end when passing."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Front end a little too light. When taking off to pass front end lifts up some and causes car to go to left and back to right. Need to keep control with steering wheel when this happens. The car is great overall. Just this one thing I believe needs to be changed."

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Warning

By IronMan (CO) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"After only 2 years after the vehicle was manufactured the car has had 3 shifters. The shifter would not shift out of park, after replacing it the first time the recall finally came out and even though the car was recalled for the inability to shift out of park DODGE charged me for it! This car was my latest and last attempt to "buy American" sorry but back to HONDA I go. Oh yeah I almost forgot the motor for the window on the driver side blew out as well and at that time the car had around 75k miles on it."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Fun to drive. Killer Design. A proud American.

By Ron (MN) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive. Killer Design. A proud American."

Cons: "Weak acceleration."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"This Avenger is a 2012 SXT. A roomy car for a tall guy like me which was one main reason why I bought it. Enough space also for grownups in the back seat. Ride is somewhat bumpy at low speeds on bad roads, but it pays well back at higher speeds. Surprisingly comfortable on longer roads trips where the somewhat hard seats show to be supportive when you best need it. Much better gas mileage that advertised, I am never fewer than 26, highway up to 35. The car is fairly quiet inside. Design, both exterior and interior is so cool, how could one not love it? Can only score 10/10. It is actually nice to ride a cool car, a feature not to underrate - I never thought about this before I bought the Avenger. Radio with big responsive touch screen; comes with one year Sirius XM. Good sound system. Dashboard is absolutely perfectly designed, clean, retro, and functional. Engine has a somewhat weak acceleration, this is perhaps the biggest con of the Avenger, but that doesn’t bother a laid back driver like me. If you need action when lights turn green, don’t buy it, then buy the 6-cylinder version instead. The transmissions is smooth, I barely feel its existence. All in all, nothing to complain about, everything works great. Fun to drive. I am a pleased owner, 20 000 miles now. I am an immigrant from Europe. I can’t understand how Americans have given up their heritage now driving those Camry and Civic. Be proud of American car design that once upon the time made this country so famous, take back you domains!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Worst car I've ever owned

By Susan (TX) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 99,353

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "looks good"

Cons: "terrible manufacturing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I purchased this vehicle used in 2010 and have since replaced the alternator and the brakes (3 times). Now the check enging and electronic throttle control lights are on. This is the noisest car I've ever owned. Even with new brakes/rotators there is brake noise and dust. Steering column makes a screeking noise, have yet to find the problem. I used to think it was the dealer selling me a bad used vehicle but further research has led me to believe it's just this car. I would definitely warn you against purchasing."

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So far I'm in love!!!!

By Jen (NC) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "looks, mpg, roomy, love the way it drives/sounds"

Cons: "blind spots"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car practically brand new. Was not even looking at the Dodge family but it was too good to pass up. It drives great even though it doesn't have the power of my old car. Up hill can sometimes be a little slower then normal but its nothing that bothers me. It doesn't accelerate as fast as I had thought it would but again its fast enough that I don't feel like I'm going to get run off the interstate before I reach speed limit. This car is not made to accelerate quickly from a dead stop but once it gains speed it is very powerful. Idle speed is great. The ride is very smooth and if you give it gas it sounds powerful. Gas mileage is great! I get 22 mpg in the city. I did notice that if you constantly push the car past 3rpm in the city then you are going to get waaaay less then 22 mpg. So I've definitely started driving easier and less angier. There are some nasty blind spots but positioning your mirrors to where you can barely see the handles of the door take care of that for the most part. I had a friend walk certain areas behind me while I was parked to get a feel for the blind spots, they actually weren't as bad as I thought. I have to agree that the cup holders are a bit tight. But my favorite feature is the radio buttons on the back of the steering wheel, literally putting the radio controls at your fingertips. The car has climate control as well, so I can set it at a certain temperature and it will adjust to maintain that temperature. Its a great family car that still has an edgy, sleek look with lots of room."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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outstanding car

By Bob (NC) on Saturday, March 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,200

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "great mileage / power.4 dr convenience and comfort"

Cons: "blind spots"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"A great car for the money and then some!No problems at all.Mileage is better than advertised.Comfortable and rides great.I love it and will wait for the new one in a year or so."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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See all 338 reviews